Invasive Plants of the United States

Amur honeysuckle

Dipsacales > Caprifoliaceae > Loniceramaackii (Rupr.) Herder

Synonym(s): Amur bush honeysuckle

Amur honeysuckle is a multi-stemmed, upright, deciduous shrub that grows to 15 ft. (4.8 m) tall. The leaves are opposite, ovate, 2-3 in. (5.1-7.6 cm) long, 0.5-1.5 in. (1.3-3.8 cm) wide, accuminate and usually persist into winter. Often it is one of the first shrubs to leaf out in the spring. The fragrant flowers are tubular, white to yellow in color, thin-petaled and develop in May to June. In September abundant, fleshy berries ripen to red in color and often persist into the winter. Berries are 1/4 in. (0.6 cm) in diameter. Several species of exotic bush honeysuckles occur and distinguishing species can be difficult. Amur honeysuckle readily invades open woodlands, old fields and other disturbed sites. It can spread rapidly due to birds and mammals dispersing the seeds and can form a dense understory thicket which can restrict native plant growth and tree seedling establishment. Amur honeysuckle is a native of eastern Asia and was first introduced into North America in 1855. It has been planted widely as an ornamental and for wildlife food and cover.